Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

The federal government mandates that every student be subject to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) guidelines in order to receive financial aid. When initiating the financial aid process, all transfer credit history and past performance are subject to SAP guidelines. Students must demonstrate proper SAP in order to receive financial aid. Summer aid eligibility is determined after Spring grades are posted.

GPA

Students must maintain a minimum Cal Poly cumulative GPA of 2.0.

SAP Guidelines

Students must complete at least 75% of units attempted each year. For example, if a student is enrolled in 36 units during the year, then 27 units must be successfully completed during those terms.

The following grades are not considered as successfully completed units:
. Grades of I, F, WU, NC, AU, RD, W
. Challenged course grades
. Continuing Education courses
. Courses taken at another school

Probation

Students who complete between 50 and 74% of units attempted during the year will be placed on financial aid probation and will be allowed to continue to receive financial aid for one year.

Disqualification

Students who fail to meet satisfactory academic progress for the second year in a row will be disqualified from financial aid eligibility. Students who complete less than 50% of units attempted during the year of review are disqualified from financial aid eligibility.

Maximum Terms of Eligibility

Students are eligible to receive aid for up to 150% of the terms required to complete degree requirements. The following chart outlines the maximum terms allowed to complete a program and still be eligible for financial aid consideration.

Appeal Process Guidelines

If mitigating circumstances prevented successful unit completion, a written appeal may be submitted with supporting documentation. Appeals are reviewed by Financial Aid counseling staff and students will be notified of outcome by mail.

Appeal Process for Maximum Term Disqualification

• An explanation of why the student has exceeded the limit. Note: Reasons for changing majors should be included if the change in major contributed to exceeding the maximum terms allowable.
• A concise plan detailing remaining courses needed, when they will be taken, and date degree will be completed.
• A current Cal Poly evaluation from the Evaluations Office.
• A letter from the student's academic advisor verifying the proposed graduation plan will satisfy all degree requirements.

Appeals are reviewed by Financial Aid counseling staff and students will be notified of outcome by mail. If an appeal is granted, no further financial aid consideration will be given beyond the final term indicated in the graduation plan unless new mitigating circumstances are presented.

  Cal Poly Financial Aid Office
  Administration Building, Room 212
  San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0201